The Indians added to their bullpen on Monday, acquiring right-hander Nick Wittgren from the Marlins in exchange for Minor League righty Jordan Milbrath. To make room for Wittgren on the 40-man roster, Cleveland also designated for assignment righty A.J. Cole.
Wittgren was the Marlins' ninth-round pick in the 2012 Draft and had spent parts of each of the past three seasons with Miami. The 27-year-old owns a career ERA of 3.60 in 118 games, all in relief. In 2018, he pitched 33 2/3 innings across 32 appearances, producing a 2.94 ERA with 15 walks and 31 strikeouts. He held opponents to a .629 OPS, with success against both righties (.661) and lefties (.600).
Milbrath was the Indians' 35th-round pick in the 2013 Draft and had spent the past six seasons in the organization's Minor League system. The 27-year-old rose to Triple-A for the first time in '18.
Cole was claimed off waivers from the Yankees last month. He split last season between Washington and New York, posting a 6.14 ERA in 32 games (two starts).